David Qian is Associate Professor and Deputy Director of the Research Centre for Professional Communication in English at the Department of English. He received his PhD in Second Language Education and Assessment from the Modern Language Centre, Ontario Institute for Studies in Education, University of Toronto in 1998. In 2000, he joined the English Department of the Hong Kong Polytechnic University after completing a TOEFL 2000 Postdoctoral Fellowship at the Research Division of the Educational Testing Service (ETS), USA , the global leader in educational testing and assessment. At ETS, David worked as a Principal Investigator for two TOEFL 2000 research projects to model the relationship between the breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension in the context of developing new measures for assessing reading performance. Some findings from these projects have been published in Language Learning and Language Testing .

With a professional background in psychometrics, narrative inquiry and ethnography , David is interested in multifaceted research in a number of areas in applied linguistics (see Research Interests for more information). He has published in a number of internationally refereed journals, including Canadian Modern Language Review, Crosslinks in English Language Teaching, Language Assessment Quarterly, Language Learning, Language Testing, RELC Journal, TESL Canada Journal, and The Hong Kong Linguist.

• Guided Study in Language Testing in China (ENGL6802)
• Guided Study in Language Testing in Professional Contexts (ENGL6808)
• Assessing Language Performance (ENGL550)
• Testing and Assessment (ENGL526)
• Research Methods (ENGL4204, ENGL362)
• Assessment and Evaluation for ELT (ENGL4218)
• Semantics (ENGL435)
• Final Year Project (ENGL391)
• Legal and Scientific English (ENGL442)
• English for Science and Technology (ENGL456)
• Second Language Learning (ENGL3207)
• English for the Mass Media (ENGL364)
• ESP4-Translation (ENGL332)
• English Language Proficiency 1 (ENGL2102)

Research Interests

• Large-scale standardized testing
• Performance assessment
• Teacher-based assessment
• Vocabulary assessment and acquisition
• Educational measurement
• Assessment and evaluation in professional contexts
• Workplace communication
• Corpus linguistics
• Second language writing

External Professional Services

• Member, Editorial Board, Reading in a Foreign Language , University of Hawaii , USA (2006-09)
• Member, Editorial Advisory Board, Language Assessment Quarterly , Routledge, USA (2003-2008)
• Member, Editorial Advisory Board, TESOL Journal, International TESOL , USA (2002-04)
• Book Review Editor, Curriculum Inquiry, Blackwell , USA (1992-97)
• Manuscript Reviewer, Canadian Modern Language Review, Journal of English for Academic Purposes, Language, Culture and Curriculum, Language Assessment Quarterly, Language Learning , Language Learning and Technology, Modern Language Journal, Reading in a Foreign Language , and TESOL Journal
• Member, AS-Level Use of English Examination Subject Committee, Hong Kong Examinations and Assessment Authority (2001-04)

Funded Projects

1. A World of Professional Discourse: Profiling English in Specialized Corpora. Co-Investigator Funding source: Central Research Grant (Postdoctoral Fellowship Scheme). In progress.
2. The Use of English in the Professional Workplace. Co-Investigator. Funding source: PolyU CERG-Related fund. In progress.
3. Assessing English Proficiency: A Survey of Policy and Practices. Principal Investigator. Funding source: PolyU DRG. In progress.
4. Implementing Alternative Language Assessment: Issues and Challenges for Assessors. Principal Investigator. Funding source: PolyU iCERG. In progress.
5. A Comparative Analysis of English Learners' Written Output from Two Learning Contexts. Principal Investigator. Funding source: PolyU CERG-Related fund. In progress.
6. A Corpus-Driven Investigation into Linguistic Features in Argumentative ESL Writing. Principal Investigator. Funding source: PolyU DRG. In progress.
7. Computerizing Test Takers' Response Data for Linguistic Analysis: A Corpus Study. Principal Investigator. Funding source: PolyU DRG. Completed.
8. Profiling Thresholds of Workplace English for Recent University Graduates in Hong Kong. Principal Investigator. Funding source: Competitive Earmarked Research Grant (CERG) from Research Grant Council of Hong Kong. Completed.
9. Comparing PolyU Students' Performances on Two Standardized English Proficiency Tests. Principal Investigator. Dean's Special Research Grant, Faculty of Communication. Completed.
10. A Profile of PolyU Graduates Who Performed Well in Both Chinese (including Putonghua) and English in the Graduating Students Language Proficiency Assessment (GSLPA). Co-Investigator. PolyU iCERG. Completed.
11. Development of Entry English Assessment for Engineering Students. Project Leader. Funding source: Department of CSE, PolyU. Completed.
12. Performance on Workplace English Language Tests: Comparing GSLPA and BULATS. Co-Investigator. Completed.
13. Development and Validation of the Graduating Students' Language Proficiency Assessment - English (GSLPA). Project Coordinator. Funding source: PolyU Central Allocation. Completed.
14. Developing a Vocabulary Knowledge Measure for Assessing Reading Performance on TOEFL 2000. Principal Investigator. Funding source: Educational Testing Service, USA. Completed.
15. Validating the Role of Depth of Vocabulary Knowledge in Assessing Reading for Basic Comprehension Tasks in TOEFL 2000. Principal Investigator. Funding source: Educational Testing Service, USA. Completed.

Research Output

Recent Publications

Qian, D. D. (forthcoming). From TOEFL pBT to TOEFL iBT: Recent trends, research landscape and Chinese learners. In L. Cheng & A. Curtis, (Eds.), English Language assessment and the Chinese learner. Routledge/Taylor and Francis Group.

Qian, D. D. (2008). From single words to passages: Contextual effects on predictive power of vocabulary measures for assessing reading performance. Language Assessment Quarterly, 5(1), 1-19.

Qian, D. D. (2008). English language assessment in Hong Kong: A survey of practices, developments and issues. Language Testing, 25(1), 85-110.

Qian, D. D. (2007). Assessing English language performance: Teachers' perceptions of alternative assessment. In C. Gitsaki (Ed.), Language and languages: Global and local tensions (Chapter 12, pp. 201-217). Newcastle, UK: Cambridge Scholars Publishing.

Qian, D. D. (2007). Assessing university students: Searching for an English language exit test. RELC Journal, 38(1), 18-37.

Qian, D. D. (2005 ). Assessing English writing for professional communication: A perspective from employers. Crosslinks in English Language Teaching, 2, 105-122 .

Qian, D. D. (2005). Why engineers need to be multilinguists: Perspectives of employers and employees. In E. Witte, L. Van Mensel, M. Pierrard, L. Mettewie, A. Housen, & R. De Groof (Eds.), Language, Attitudes & Education in Multilingual Cities (pp. 199-210), Wetteren: Universa Press.

So, D., Chan, W., Lau, K. & Qian, D. D. (2005). A profile of good learners of Chinese and English at the Hong Kong Polytechnic University . In E. Witte, L. Van Mensel, M. Pierrard, L. Mettewie, A. Housen, & R. De Groof (Eds.), Language, Attitudes & Education in Multilingual Cities (pp. 181-198), Wetteren: Universa Press.

Qian, D. D. (2005). Demystifying lexical inferencing: The role of aspects of vocabulary knowledge. TESL Canada Journal, 22, 2, 34-54.

Qian, D. D. (2005). Measuring lexical richness in business English writing: A study of Chinese learners. The Hong Kong Linguist: Jubilee Version, 25, 36-42 .

Qian, D. D. (2005). Business Language Testing Service (BULATS) language tests. In S. Stoynoff & C. Chapelle (Eds.), ESOL tests and testing: A resource for teachers and administrators (43-48). Waldorf , Maryland : TESOL Publications.

Qian, D. D. (2004). Second language lexical inferencing: Preferences, perceptions and practices. In B. Laufer & P. Bogaards (Eds.), Vocabulary in a second language: Selection, acquisition and testing (Chapter 8, 155-169). Amsterdam : John Benjamins.

Qian, D. D. (2004). Establishing parameters for assessing vocabulary. Language Assessment Quarterly 1, 1 , 57-61.

Qian, D. D. , & Schedl, M. (2004). Evaluation of an in-depth vocabulary knowledge measure for assessing reading performance. Language Testing 21, 1, 28-52.

Lumley, T., & Qian, D. (2003). Assessing English for employment in Hong Kong . In C. Coombe & N. Hubley (Eds.), Assessment Practices (135-147) . Waldorf , Maryland : TESOL Publications.

Qian, D. D. (2002). Investigating the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and academic reading performance: An assessment perspective. Language Learning. 52, 3, 513-536.

Qian, D. D. (1999). Assessing the roles of depth and breadth of vocabulary knowledge in reading comprehension. Canadian Modern Language Review, 56 , 2, 282-307.

Qian, D. D. (1996). ESL vocabulary acquisition: Contextualization and decontextualization. Canadian Modern Language Review, 53, 1, 120-142.

Refereed Conference Papers

Qian, D. (2006, August). To test or not to test: Voices from the assessed. Paper presented at the 4th Asia TEFL International Conference, 18-20 August 2006, Fukuoka, Japan.

Qian, D. & Chow, D. (2006, August). Bringing corpora to the EST classroom: Issues and benefits. Paper presented at the 7th Symposium on Applied Linguistics and Language Teaching, 7-9 August 2006, Beijing & 12-13 August 2006, Hong Kong.

Qian, D. (2006, July). Assessing English language performance: meeting the challenges of alternative assessment. Paper presented at 28 th Congress of the Applied Linguistics Association of Australia, 5-8 July 2006, Queensland University , Brisbane , Australia.

Qian, D. (2006, June). Applying computer technology to speaking assessment: Affective effects on test takers. Paper presented at International Conference on Tertiary/College English Teaching (TCELT 2006), 1-2 2006 Shenyang & 5-6 June 2006, Hong Kong .

Qian, D. (2005, November). OPI or SOPI: Test-takers' views of semi-direct testing. Paper presented at the Third International Conference of the Asian Association for Teachers of English as a Foreign Language, Beijing , China .

Qian, D. D. & Lumley, T. (2005, July). Rating writing performance: What do the judgments of test users tell us Paper accepted for plenary presentation at the 27 th Language Testing Research Colloquium (LTRC 2005). Ottawa , Canada .

Qian, D. (2005, June). In search for an English language exit test. Paper presented- at t he First International Conference on Enhancing Teaching & Learning through Assessment, The Hong Kong Polytechnic University.

Qian, D. (2004, December). Contextual impact on predictive power of vocabulary items in reading assessment. Paper presented at the 2004 International Language in Education Conference (ILEC), Hong Kong Institute of Education, 16-18 December 2004.

Qian, D. (2004, May). Why engineers need to be multilinguists: A Hong Kong perspective. Paper presented at the International Colloquium on Language, Attitudes and Education in Multilingual Cities. Brussels , 27-28 May 2004.

Qian, D. (2004, May) Assessing English writing for professional communication: A perspective from employers. Paper presented at the International Conference on Tertiary/College English Teaching 2004: From Theory to Classroom Practice, Nanjing and Hong Kong , 14-18 May 2004.

Qian, D., Lumley, T., Davies, A. & Lo, S. (2004, May). English speakers required: Linguistic needs and expectations of graduate engineers. Paper presented at AAAL 2004, Portland , Oregon USA , 1-4 May 2004.

Qian, D., Lumley, T., Davies, A. & Lo, S. (2003, November). Relating proficiency levels to real market needs: Raters' and employers' judgments of writing performance. Paper presented at 1 st Asia TEFL International Conference. Busan , South Korea , 7-9 November 2003.

Qian, D. & Chan, K. (2002, December). Does test design make a difference Revisiting second language vocabulary retention studies. Paper presented to 13 th World Congress of Applied Linguistics (AILA 2002), December 15-21, 2002 . Singapore .

Qian, D. (2002, April). Acquisition of English vocabulary under different conditions: An investigation into short-term and long-term effects. Paper presented at TESOL 2002 Convention, Salt Lake City , UT , USA .

Qian, D., & Schedl, M. (2001, February). Is there a place for vocabulary knowledge in reading assessment Paper presented at 23 rd Language Testing Research Colloquium, Saint Louis , MO , USA .

Lumley, T. & Qian, D. (2001, February). Is speaking performance assessment based mainly on grammar Paper presented at 23 rd Language Testing Research Colloquium, Saint Louis , MO , USA .

Qian, D. D. (2000, December). Lexical processing in English reading: Perceptions versus reality. Paper presented at the 2000 International Language in Education Conference (ILEC), Hong Kong University , Hong Kong .

Qian, D. (2000, March). The relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension: A TOEFL 2000 study. Paper presented at the TESOL 2000 Convention, Vancouver , Canada .

Qian, D. D. (1999, November). How ESL learners use their knowledge sources in reading comprehension. Paper presented at TESL Ontario Conference, Toronto , Canada .

Qian, D. D. (1999, March). The value of vocabulary knowledge measures in predicting ESL reading comprehension. Paper presented at AAAL 1999, Stamford , CT , USA .

Qian, D. & Harley, B. (1998, May). The role of depth of vocabulary knowledge in adult ESL learners' comprehension of academic texts. Paper presented at the International Congress of the Canadian Association for Applied Linguistics on Trends in Second Language Teaching and Learning, Carleton University , Ottawa , Canada .

Invited Speeches

Qian, D. (2004, November). Test users as raters: HR specialists' evaluation of candidates' performance on a workplace-oriented English writing test. Keynote Speech delivered at Inter-Provincial Symposium on College English Teaching. Guangzhou , China . 19-22 November, 2004.

Qian, D. (2002, January). Norm referencing. Invited presentation to Workshop on Assessment of Students' Work, Department of English, HKPU.

Qian, D. (2001, July). Approaches to vocabulary assessment in the classroom. Invited presentation to Summer Seminar in Assessment for Language Teachers. HKPU.

Qian, D. (2001, May). Assessing the presentation task in the Graduating Students' Language Proficiency Assessment. Invited speech to Seminar on Effective English Communication for Teaching and Research . HKPU.

Qian, D. D. (1999, January). Conceptualizing the relationship between vocabulary knowledge and reading comprehension. Invited speech at ETS Postdoctoral Seminar, Educational Testing Service (ETS), NJ, USA .

Qian, D. D. (1998, November). The roles of breadth and depth of vocabulary knowledge in assessing ESL reading comprehension. Invited speech at ETS Public Seminar, Educational Testing Service (ETS), NJ, USA .

Revised: Feb 27, 2008